Utensil dispenser

ABSTRACT

A utensil dispenser including a reservoir that stores utensils and front and rear pedestals in contact with a next utensil. The pedestals contain a plurality of utensils within the reservoir. A gravity feed ramp moves the next utensil to an access port of the utensil dispenser. The utensil dispenser includes an actuator operably connected to a drive pin or other drive mechanism. The actuator is configured to halt a dispensing utensil at a ready position based upon contact between the dispensing utensil and the actuator. In the ready position, a handle portion of the dispensing utensil is accessible via the access port. The drive mechanism is configured to contact the next utensil. The actuator is configured to move the drive mechanism to move the next utensil to clear the front pedestal to release the next utensil from the reservoir onto the gravity feed ramp when the dispensing utensil is dispensed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is an application for reissue of U.S. Pat. No.9,049,948, which issued from U.S. application Ser. No. 13/739,820, filedJan. 11, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/591,611, filed Jan. 27, 2012, which is are both incorporated byreference herein in its their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many restaurants, food courts, eateries, etc. require the distributionof utensils. Placing a multitude of utensils in a canister is one commonway in which utensils are distributed to customers. Utensils distributedin this manner, however, are subject to the environment and can beexposed to germs, dirt, etc. In addition, fitting a maximum number ofutensils in each cup can be time consuming.

SUMMARY

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in thisspecification can be embodied in a utensil dispenser that includes areservoir configured to store a plurality of utensils. The utensildispenser further includes a rear pedestal configured to contact a rearportion of a next utensil in the plurality of utensil and a frontpedestal configured to contact one or more detents in the next utensil.The front pedestal and the rear pedestal are configured to contain theplurality of utensils within the reservoir. A gravity feed ramp isconfigured to move the next utensil to an access port of the utensildispenser. The utensil dispenser further includes an actuator operablyconnected to a drive pin or other drive mechanism. The actuator isconfigured to halt a dispensing utensil at a ready position based uponcontact between the dispensing utensil and the actuator. In the readyposition, a handle portion of the dispensing utensil is accessible viathe access port. The drive pin or other drive mechanism is configured tocontact the next utensil. The actuator is further configured to move thedrive mechanism into a release position that moves the next utensil toclear the front pedestal to release the next utensil from the reservoironto the gravity feed ramp when the dispensing utensil is dispensed.Other implementations of a utensil dispenser are also described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more implementations of the subject matterdescribed in this specification are set forth in the accompanyingdrawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, andadvantages of the subject matter will become apparent from thedescription, the drawings, and the claims.

FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a utensil dispenser in accordancewith an illustrative implementation.

FIG. 1B is a right side plane view of the utensil dispenser of FIG. 1Ain accordance with an illustrative implementation.

FIG. 1C is a rear perspective view of the utensil dispenser of FIG. 1Ain accordance with an illustrative implementation.

FIG. 1D is a front perspective view of the utensil dispenser of FIG. 1Ain accordance with an illustrative implementation.

FIG. 1E is a front perspective view of three utensil dispensers inaccordance with an illustrative implementation.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an open utensil dispenser andcartridge in accordance with an additional implementation.

FIGS. 3A-3C are detailed portions of a utensil dispenser in accordancewith another implementation.

FIG. 4 is a right side plane view and expanded detailed view of stackedutensils in accordance with an additional illustrative implementation.

FIG. 5 is a right side plane view and expanded detailed view of stackedutensils in accordance with another illustrative implementation.

FIG. 6 is a view of various features of utensils in accordance with anadditional illustrative implementation.

FIGS. 7A-7E are cross sectional views of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an additional illustrative implementation showing autensil moving from a reservoir to a ready position.

FIGS. 8A-8E are cross sectional views of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with another illustrative implementation showing a utensilmoving from a reservoir to a ready position.

FIGS. 9A-9E are cross sectional views of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an additional illustrative implementation showing autensil moving from a reservoir to a ready position.

FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser in accordancewith another illustrative implementation.

FIG. 11 is a multi-view illustration of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an additional illustrative implementation.

FIG. 12 is a multi-view illustration of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with another illustrative implementation.

FIG. 13 is a multi-view illustration of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an additional illustrative implementation.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of a utensil dispenser in accordancewith another illustrative implementation.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of a utensil dispenser in accordancewith an additional illustrative implementation.

FIG. 16 is a view of utensils for use in a utensil dispenser inaccordance with another illustrative implementation.

FIG. 17 is a view of handles of utensils for use in a utensil dispenserin accordance with an additional illustrative implementation.

FIG. 18 is a flow-illustration of loading a utensil dispenser inaccordance with another illustrative implementation.

FIGS. 19A-19B illustrate opening a cartridge of utensils for use in autensil dispenser in accordance with an additional illustrativeimplementation.

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective view a fork for use in a utensildispenser in accordance with another illustrative implementation.

FIG. 21 illustrates a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an additional illustrative implementation.

FIG. 22 illustrates a cross section view of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an additional illustrative implementation.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of an internal portion of areservoir of the utensil dispenser of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 illustrates a portion of a reservoir of the utensil dispenser ofFIG. 22.

FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded view of an external portion of areservoir of the utensil dispenser of FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of the utensil dispenser of FIG.22.

FIGS. 27A-33A illustrate a front perspective view of the utensildispenser of FIG. 22.

FIGS. 27B-33B illustrate a rear perspective view of the utensildispenser of FIG. 22.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicatelike elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1D are various views of a utensil dispenser in accordance withan illustrative implementation. A utensil dispenser 100 can includethree access ports 102a-c. Each access port allows for the removal of asingle utensil at a time. In some implementations, the utensil dispenserdispenses plastic cutlery, e.g., polystyrene utensils. As one utensil isremoved, another utensil is moved into position such that its handle 110is outside the access port. Head portions of utensils that can come intocontact with food, e.g., fork tines, spoon bowls, knife blades, etc.,remain within the utensil dispenser 100. Accordingly, these portions ofthe utensils are protected from the environment. The utensil dispenser100 can be used to dispense various utensils such as, but not limitedto, spoons, forks, knives, sporks, chopsticks, etc.

In one embodiment, fill level windows 104 allow a visual indication ofthe fill level of utensils in a cartridge. In another embodiment, a filllevel window 114 is transparent and allows a visual indication of thefill level of all of the cartridges in a dispenser. A utensil dispensercan be hung on a wall using wall mounting bracket attachment holes 112.In other implementations, the utensil dispenser 100 can be attached to apedestal base 108. The pedestal base 108 provides support for theutensil dispenser and allows the utensil dispenser 100 to be freestanding. The pedestal base 108 can be removable such that the utensildispenser 100 can be wall mounted using wall mounting bracket attachmentholes 112. Multiple utensil dispensers can be hung on a wall. FIG. 1E isa front perspective view of three utensil dispensers in accordance withan illustrative implementation. In some implementations, a utensildispenser can incorporate an ultra-violet light to sanitize the exposedhandle of the utensil.

Utensils stored in the utensil dispenser 100 can be stored in acartridge. The utensil dispenser 100 can be opened allowing thereplacement of cartridges to refill the utensil dispenser 100. In oneimplementation, the utensil dispenser 100 opens using a hinge 106. FIG.2 is a front perspective view of an open utensil dispenser and cartridgein accordance with an illustrative implementation. A hinged access door202 allows access to the internal compartment of the utensil dispenser100. In other implementations, the hinge location can be located on thetop of the utensil dispenser 100. In these implementations, the accessdoor 202 opens vertically instead of horizontally. The access door 202can have fill level windows 204. Cartridges have corresponding filllevel windows 206 that allow a visual indication of the stock ofutensils in each respective cartridge to be seen. A cartridge 208 can beattached to the utensil dispenser 100 and provides utensils that can bedispensed. The cartridge 208 can be pre-packaged with utensils. In someimplementations, the cartridge 208 is replaced with a new cartridge andis not reused. In other implementations, the cartridge 208 can berefilled and reused in the utensil dispenser 100. The utensil dispenser100 can accept one or more cartridges 208. For example, in oneimplementation the utensil dispenser 100 can accept a single cartridge208. As another example, the utensil dispenser 100 can accept threecartridges 208, e.g., one for each of a spoon, fork, and knife. In someimplementations, the dispensing slot that a cartridge 208 is insertedinto is not dependent upon the type of utensil that is dispensed.Accordingly, a cartridge 208 of any type of utensil can be placed intoany available dispensing slot. In other implementations, each cartridge208 and dispensing slot is unique to the utensil being dispensed. Inthese implementations, a cartridge 208 can be designed individually tofit the corresponding utensil. The footprint and dimensions of thecartridges can be distinct from one another in these implementations.

FIGS. 3A-3C are a detailed portion of a utensil dispenser in accordancewith an illustrative implementation. In some implementations, acartridge 302 can have a restraint panel 304. The restraint panel 304prohibits the stored cutlery from falling out of place during theinstallation of the cartridge 302. Once the cartridge 302 is installed,the restraint panel 304 can be removed. After the restraint panel 304 isremoved, cutlery can move into a utensil reservoir 306. In oneimplementation, gravity moves the utensils from the cartridge into thereservoir 306. In some implementations, the reservoir 306 holds between10 and 20 pieces of cutlery. The reservoir allows the cartridge 302 tobe replaced prior to the dispenser becoming completely empty. Manualactivation levers 308 can be accessed when the front panel is open.Using the manual activation levers 308, a utensil can be dispensed. Thisis useful, for example, when loading an empty utensil dispenser. Themanual activation levers 308 can be used to move a first utensil intoits dispensing position, e.g., with its handle exposed through an accessport. FIG. 3C illustrates a fork 310 in its ready or dispensing positionbased upon activation of a manual activation lever 312. Once the fork310 is in its ready position, removing the fork 310 will cause the nextfork to be moved into its ready position.

Each cartridge can include a large number of utensils. For example, acartridge can hold 100, 120, 140, 150, 160, 250, etc., utensils. In someimplementations, the utensils are stacked on top of one another. FIG. 4is a right side plane view and expanded detailed view of stackedutensils in accordance with an illustrative implementation. A utensil402 is stacked vertically on top of a second utensil 404. The utensils402 and 404 are the same height, width, and length. A chamfer 406 allowsfor a thinner endpoint that can be used by the dispensing portion of theutensil dispenser to separate individual utensils.

To help increase stability of the stack of utensils and maximize theusage of space within a cartridge, the utensils can include nestingfeatures. FIG. 5 is a right side plane view and expanded detailed viewof stacked utensils in accordance with an illustrative implementation.Similar to the utensils illustrated in FIG. 4, a utensil 502 is stackedvertically on a second utensil 504. The utensils 502 and 504 are thesame height, width, and length. A cut out 506 in a handle of the utensil502 allows for a thinner endpoint that can be used by the dispensingportion of the utensil dispenser to separate individual utensils. Anesting feature 508 can be used to help hold the utensils 502 and 504 inplace within the cartridge and the reservoir of the utensil dispenser.

The dispensing of utensils can be enhanced based upon one or morefeatures of the utensils themselves. FIG. 6 is a view of variousfeatures of utensils in accordance with an illustrative implementation.The handle end 602 of utensils can be chamfered. The chamfer can make iteasier for the dispensing unit to pick between utensils. Similar to thechamfer, cutouts from the handle end 604 of utensils can also make iteasier for the dispensing unit to pick between utensils. As the utensilscan be stacked in cartridges, nesting features can be used to stabilizethe utensil stack. A concave cavity 606 can be used such that oneutensil can nest into another utensil. Detents 608 can be used to holdutensils in place when in the utensil dispenser. Detents 610 can beintegrated into the ribbing of a utensil. One or more of these featurescan be used by various implementations of a utensil dispenser.

Each utensil dispenser dispenses a single piece of cutlery at a time.Various mechanisms can be used to dispense the utensils. FIGS. 7A-7E area cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser in accordance with anillustrative implementation. A utensil 718 falls from a reservoir 720.The utensil 718 moves down a gravity feed ramp 716. The utensil 718continues down the gravity feed ramp 716 until detents 724 on theutensil 718 come into contact with a drive pin actuation lever 710. Atthis point, the utensil's descent is stopped and a handle portion 726 ofthe utensil is exposed through an access port 728.

The drive pin actuation lever 710 is a spring loaded lever that operatesa linear drive pin 704. The drive pin actuation lever 710 is connectedto the linear drive pin 704 by a connection pin 702. An actuation leverreturn spring 708 returns the drive pin actuation lever 710 to a homeposition following a dispense cycle. In the home position, the drive pinactuation lever 710 stops the descent of the utensil 718 on the gravityfeed ramp 716. When the handle portion 726 of the utensil 718 is pulledout from the utensil dispenser, the drive pin actuation lever 710rotates around a pivot pin 706. Due to the rotation, the detents 724become free of the drive pin actuation lever 710 allowing the utensil tobe released from the access port 728 of the utensil dispenser.

The drive pin actuation lever 710 also operates the linear drive pin 704to engage a next utensil 730 to fall from the reservoir 720 onto thegravity feed ramp 716. Prior to being released from the reservoir 720,the utensil 730 was held in the reservoir 720 by a front pedestal 714and a rear pedestal 712. A handle portion of the utensil 730 rests onthe rear pedestal 712 and detents 722 on either or both sides of theutensil 730 rest on the front pedestal 714. The drive pin actuationlevel 710 moves the linear drive pin 704 from a home position to arelease position. When the drive pin actuation lever 710 engages thenext utensil 730, the linear drive pin 704 is moved to a releaseposition. In this position the linear drive pin 704 contacts a tailportion of the utensil 730, pushing the utensil in an opposite directionof the utensil 718 being removed. The next utensil 730 is pushed,causing the detents 722 and the handle portion to move past the frontpedestal 714 and the rear pedestal 712. Once freed, the utensil 730falls due to gravity to the gravity feed ramp 716. Once the utensil 718passes the drive pin actuation lever 710, the actuation lever returnsspring 708 return the drive pin actuation lever 710 to its homeposition. The detents 722 engage the drive pin actuation lever 710, andthe next utensil is positioned to be dispensed.

In another implementation, utensils are dispensed using a barrelmechanism. FIGS. 8A-8E area cross sectional view of a utensil dispenserin accordance with an illustrative implementation. Similar to theimplementation illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E, utensils are dispensed handlefirst from a dispensing unit. A utensil 818 slides down a gravity feedramp 816 until a portion of the utensil 818 comes into contact with adrive pin actuation barrel 832. As the utensil 818 is pulled from thedispenser, the drive pin actuation barrel 832 rotates around a pivot pin806. As the drive pin actuation barrel 832 moves, it engages the lineardrive pin 804. The linear drive pin 804 is connected to the drive pinactuation barrel 832 by a connection pin 802.

A utensil 830 located initially in a reservoir 820 is freed from thereservoir by the linear drive pin 804. Wings or detents 822 on theutensil 830 are in contact with a front pedestal 814 and a tail portionof the utensil 830 rests on a rear pedestal 812. When actuated, thelinear drive pin 804 pushes the utensil toward a back end of thedispenser. As the utensil 830 moves forward, the detents 822 move pastthe front pedestal 814 and the tail portion of the utensil 830 movespast the rear pedestal 812, causing the utensil 830 to fall to thegravity feed ramp 816. Once the utensil 818 is dispensed, the drive pinactuation barrel 832 returns to a home position. The utensil 830continues to move down the gravity feed ramp 816 until the drive pinactuation barrel 832 stops its movement. In this position, a handle ofthe utensil 830 is exposed from the dispenser and is used to dispensethe utensil 830.

In another implementation, utensils are dispensed using a hoppermechanism. FIGS. 9A-9E are a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenserin accordance with an illustrative implementation. Similar to thepreviously described dispensers, utensils are dispensed, handle first,from a utensil dispenser. Utensils waiting to be dispensed are kept in areservoir 920. Utensils are held in the reservoir 920 by one or twodoors 938. In one implementation, a single door is used to hold theutensils in the reservoir 920. In another implementation, a pair ofdoors is used. When a utensil 918 is pulled from the dispenser, anactuator 934 rotates around a pivot pin 906. A boss 936 at one end ofthe actuator 934 is in contact with the doors 938. As the boss 936pushes against the doors 938, the doors 938 separate and a utensil 930falls onto a gravity feed ramp 916. In one implementation, a second setof doors (not shown) are attached at an angle to a pivot point of thedoors 938. As the boss 936 opens the doors 938, the second set of doorsrotates inward such that the stack of utensils remain within thereservoir 920. The second set of doors open when the actuator 934returns to a home position, allowing a utensil to move into position forbeing dispersed. A spring 940 causes the doors to close once theactuator 934 returns to a home position. The utensil 930 continues downthe gravity feed ramp 916 until a portion of the utensil 930 comes intocontact with the actuator 934. An actuator return spring 908 returns theactuator 934 to the home position. In this home position, the actuator934 stops the utensil 918 such that the handle of the utensil 918 isaccessible.

In another implementation, utensils are dispensed using a pickermechanism. FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an illustrative implementation. In this implementation,a utensil 1018 is held in place by an actuator 1044. When a utensil isheld in place a tail portion of the utensil 1018 is located outside thedispenser while the head portion of the utensil 1018 remains within thedispenser. Utensils located in a reservoir 1020 are stored for futuredispersing. A utensil 1030 remains in the reservoir 1020 based upon anotch 1042 within an actuator 1044 and a top portion of a gravity feedramp 1016. For example, one end of the utensil 1030 rests on the topportion of the gravity feed ramp 1016, and its opposite end fits withinthe notch 1042. When the utensil 1018 is pulled out from the dispenser,the actuator 1044 rotates around a pivot pin 1006. The rotation causesthe notch to move and release the utensil 1030. The utensil falls ontoand proceeds down the gravity feed ramp 1016 until a portion of theutensil comes into contact with the actuator 1044 in a home position. Inthe home position, the actuator 1044 stops a utensil 1018 such that thetail portion of the utensil 1018 is exposed.

Various other implementations of a utensil dispenser are also possible.FIG. 11 is one such example and is a multi-view illustration of autensil dispenser in accordance with an illustrative implementation. Inthis implementation, utensils are not stacked horizontally on top of oneanother in a storage cartridge. Rather, the utensils are stacked in asemi-vertical configuration on a guiding rail. As a piece of cutlery isremoved, a switch releases the cutlery from the guiding rail. In thisimplementation, each utensil has a key slot molded into it that can beused to bundle the utensils for loading into the dispenser. The guidingrail can also engage the molded slot in the utensils to convey eachutensil to a user. This configuration allows utensils to be presented ina vertical fashion as illustrated in FIG. 11.

In another implementation, the stored utensils can be wrapped inplastic. FIG. 12 is a multi-view illustration of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an illustrative implementation. The plastic encases theutensils and each utensil is linked together with a perforation betweeneach utensil. As a utensil is pulled away from the dispenser, the nextconnected utensil is brought out of the dispenser. The perforationallows the plastic wrapped utensil to be removed from the otherutensils. A similar implementation is shown in FIG. 14, which is a frontperspective view of a utensil dispenser in accordance with anillustrative implementation. A cartridge 1414 contains plastic wrappedutensils that are linked together. A hinge 1404 in the back of thedispenser can be used to open the dispenser for loading the cartridge1414. A lip 1402 keeps the cartridge 1414 in place near the back of thedispenser. In other implementations one or more tabs can be used to holdthe cartridge in place. The plastic wrapped utensils are threadedthrough an opening 1416 in the front of the dispenser. Corners 1412 ofthe opening can provide a mechanism to tear a perforation in the linkedutensils. A space 1406 located between the cartridge 1414 and theopening 1416 allows room for the linked utensils to unfold from thecartridge 1414.

In another implementation, the dispenser removes the plastic wrap fromthe utensil as the utensil is dispensed. FIG. 13 is a multi-viewillustration of a utensil dispenser in accordance with an illustrativeimplementation. A number of plastic wrapped utensils are linked togetherby the plastic wrap and stored in a cartridge. The plastic wrap has aperforation along the entire length of the linked utensils. A sensor,such as an infra-red sensor, movement sensor, light sensor, etc., can beused to detect a presence of a user. Upon such detection, the dispenserautomatically dispenses one utensil. Rollers are used to push the linkedutensils forward toward an opening of the dispenser. A second roller isused to pull the plastic away from the utensil, causing the perforationto open and the unwrapped utensil to be dispensed.

FIG. 15 is a related implementation, in that the plastic wrap is removedfrom the utensil as the utensil is dispensed. A cartridge 1514 holds theplastic wrapped utensils. A perforation 1502 in the plastic wrap extendsalong the entire length of utensils. A hand crank 1504 is used to rotatea first pair of rollers 1506. In another implementation, a single rollercan be used along with an immobile body. The rollers 1506 pull thelinked utensils forward. An opening 1510 within the dispenser allows thelinked utensils an area to unfold. A second set of rollers 1508 isattached to the plastic wrap and pulls downward on the plastic wrap asthe utensil exits the first set of rollers 1506. The second set ofrollers 1508 cause the perforation 1502 to open. The unwrapped utensilthen exits through an opening in the dispenser. A waste collection areacan be included in the dispenser to collect the plastic wrap. In anotherimplementation, a handle portion of the utensils exits the dispenserbefore the head portion.

In various implementations, features of the utensils are used to helpcontrol the dispensing of the utensils. FIG. 16 is a view of utensilsfor use in a utensil dispenser in accordance with an illustrativeimplementation. Cutouts 1602 at the end of utensils can be used to helpthe various linear drive pins separate utensils. The utensils caninclude a concave cavity 1604 that can be used to help nest utensilstogether. Such cavities 1604 can provide stability to a vertical stackof utensils. Detents 1606 can be included in utensils and can be used tohalt the movement of a utensil down a gravity feed ramp.

In addition to the above described features, various implementations ofthe dispensers dispense utensils handle first. In some implementations,the handle portion of utensils can be visible prior to the utensil beingdispensed. The handle portion therefore provides an opportunity toprovide information to users of the dispenser. FIG. 17 is a view ofhandles of utensils for use in a utensil dispenser in accordance with anillustrative implementation. Various textures can be used on the handlesfor an aesthetic feature. For example, a protrusion 1702, textures 1704,depressions 1706, lettering 1708, or icons 1710 can be used. Thelettering and/or the icons can indicate the type of utensil beingdispensed. In addition, Braille can be added to the handle of theutensil that identifies the utensil.

Various described implementations can use a cartridge to load thedispenser. FIG. 18 is a flow-illustration of loading a utensil dispenserin accordance with an illustrative implementation. A cartridge 1802 canindicate the type of utensils contained within the cartridge. Aperforation at the bottom of the cartridge can be removed 1804. A pieceof tape covers a portion or all of the utensils, such that the tapehelps retain the utensils as the cartridge is being loaded into thedispenser. Prior to placing the cartridge in the dispenser, a tabconnected to the tape can be folded over 1806. Once the cartridge isplaced in the dispenser, the tab can be pulled to remove the tape andrelease the utensils into the dispenser 1808. In another implementation,a chipboard panel is used to help hold the utensils in place. Pullingthe tab also pulls the chipboard off of the cartridge to complete thedrop of utensils into the dispenser. FIGS. 19A-19A illustrate opening acartridge of utensils for use in a utensil dispenser in accordance withan illustrative implementation. A cartridge 1902 includes an attachedchipboard and tape 1906. A tab 1908 is connected to the tape. The tab1908 is used to pull the tape and the chipboard 1906 to open thecartridge 1904. Once the tape and chipboard 1906 are removed from thecartridge, the utensils within the cartridge fall into the reservoir ofthe dispenser.

Various utensils can be used in the numerous utensil dispensersdescribed herein. FIG. 20 illustrates one such utensil and is aperspective view a fork for use in a utensil dispenser in accordancewith an illustrative implementation. In the embodiment depicted in FIG.20, wings or detents 2002 are on each side of the fork 2000. The wingsor detents 2002 are molded into the fork and other utensils and providea surface to rest against a front pedestal of a utensil dispenser. Thefront pedestal can provide support for the fork 2000 as well as anyother stacked forks within the utensil dispenser. The wings or detents2002 also contact an activation lever, for example, but not limited to,the drive pin actuation lever 710 of FIGS. 7A-7E; or a cam actuationlever of FIG. 21. When a utensil is pulled from the dispenser, the wingsor detents 2002 pull the activation lever forward activating themechanism to dispense the next piece of cutlery from the reservoir.

The fork 2000 can also includes a tail support 2004 molded into the fork2000. The tail support 2004 can rest against a rear pedestal of theutensil dispenser. The rear pedestal, along with the front pedestal,provide support for the stack of utensils in the reservoir. The tailsupport 2004 also provides a surface for a drive pin to contact the fork2000 to dispense the fork 2000 from the reservoir. A user of the fork2000 can also use the tail support 2004 as a surface to hold onto thefork 2000 while pulling the fork 2000 from the utensil dispenser. Thewings or detents 2002 and the tail support 2004 can be incorporated intoother utensils such as, but not limited to, spoons, knives, sparks, etc.

In another implementation, utensils are dispensed using a cam system.FIG. 21 illustrates a cross sectional view of a utensil dispenser inaccordance with an illustrative implementation. Similar to theimplementation illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E, utensils in the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 21 are dispensed handle first from a dispensing unit. Autensil 2118 slides down a gravity feed ramp 2116 until a portion of theutensil 2118 comes into contact with an actuating cam lever 2146. Forexample, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 21, wings or detents on theutensil 2118 contact the actuating cam lever 2146. This contact preventsthe utensil 2118 from continuing to move down the gravity feed ramp2116. The actuating cam lever 2146 is a spring loaded lever that rotatesan actuating cam 2148 against a cam follower 2154 to activate a drivehammer 2156. The actuating cam 2148 is connected to the cam actuatinglever 2146. The drive hammer 2156 pushes cutlery off of one or morepedestals, for example front and rear pedestals as described above,allowing a single utensil to drop onto the gravity feed ramp 2116. Thecam follower 2154 includes a roller that follows the actuating cam 2148that activates the drive hammer 2156.

A utensil 2130 located initially in a reservoir is freed from thereservoir by the drive hammer 2156. Wings or detents on the utensil 2130are in contact with a front pedestal 2114 and a tail portion of theutensil 2130 rests on a rear pedestal 2112. When actuated, the drivehammer 2156 pushes the utensil toward a back end of the dispenser. Asthe utensil 2130 moves forward, the detents move past the front pedestal2114 and the tail portion of the utensil 2130 moves past the rearpedestal 2112, causing the utensil 2130 to fall to the gravity feed ramp2116. Once the utensil 2118 is dispensed, the cam actuation lever 2146returns to a home position. The utensil 2130 continues to move down thegravity feed ramp 2116 until the cam actuation lever 2146 stops itsmovement. In this position, a handle of the utensil 2130 is exposed fromthe dispenser and can be used to dispense the utensil 2130.

The utensil dispenser can include a manual activation button 2150. Themanual activation button 2150 is connected to a manual activation lever2152 that bypasses the cam activated mechanism to dispense a utensil.The manual activation level 2152 is connected to the drive hammer 2156.Pressing the manual activation button 2150, engages the drive hammer2156 to push the utensil 2130 off of the pedestals and onto the gravityfeed ramp 2116.

FIGS. 22-26, 27A-33A, and 27B-33B illustrate another implementation thatuses a cam system to dispense utensils similar to the implementationshown in FIG. 21. FIG. 22 illustrates a cross section view of theutensil dispenser. Utensils to be dispensed are located in a reservoirand are supported by a front pedestal 2214 and a rear pedestal 2212. Theutensils are positioned to rest on the front pedestal 2214 and the rearpedestal 2212. The next utensil to be dispensed (not shown) ispositioned on a gravity feed ramp 2216, such that a tail portion of theutensil extrudes from the utensil dispenser. In this position, theutensil is in contact with an actuating cam lever 2246, which preventsthe utensil from continuing to move down the gravity feed ramp 2216.

When the tail portion is pulled away from the utensil dispenser, theactuating cam lever 2246 moves to allow the utensil to be removed fromthe utensil dispenser. In addition, removing the utensil causes the nextutensil to be freed from the reservoir and to slide down the gravityfeed ramp 2216 as the next utensil to be dispensed. Freeing the nextutensil can be accomplished by using the actuating cam lever 2246, whichis a spring loaded lever that rotates an actuating cam 2248 against acam follower 2254 to activate a drive hammer 2256. The rear pedestal2212 is part of the drive hammer 2256. A spring 2260 provides tension toreturn the drive hammer 2256 to a resting position. In the restingposition, the rear pedestal 2212 is positioned to support the utensilsin the reservoir that have not been dispensed onto the gravity feed ramp2216. The drive hammer 2256 pushes cutlery off of one or more pedestals,for example the front and rear pedestals as described above, allowing asingle utensil to drop onto the gravity feed ramp 2216. The cam follower2254 includes a roller that follows the actuating cam 2248 thatactivates the drive hammer 2256.

When actuated, the drive hammer 2256 pushes the utensil toward a backend of the dispenser such that the detents of the utensil move past thefront pedestal 2214 and the tail portion of the utensil moves past therear pedestal 2212, causing the utensil to fall to the gravity feed ramp2216. Once the utensil is dispensed, the actuating cam lever 2246returns to a home position. The utensil continues to move down thegravity feed ramp 2216 until the actuating cam lever 2246 stops itsmovement. In this position, a handle of the utensil is exposed from thedispenser and can be used to dispense the utensil.

The utensil dispenser can include a manual activation button 2250. Themanual activation button 2250 is connected to a manual activation lever2252 that bypasses the cam activated mechanism to dispense a utensil.The manual activation level 2252 is connected to the drive hammer 2256.Pressing the manual activation button 2250, engages the drive hammer2256 to push the utensil off of the pedestals and onto the gravity feedramp 2216.

FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of an internal portion of areservoir of the utensil dispenser in accordance with the aforementionedillustrative implementation. FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate the oppositeside of the reservoir. FIG. 24 illustrates a portion of the reservoir ofthe utensil dispenser, and FIG. 25 illustrates an exploded view of anexternal portion of the reservoir of the utensil dispenser. The oppositeside of the reservoir includes a ratchet gear 2404 that attaches to aportion of the actuating cam 2248 that protrudes into the opposite sideof the reservoir. A snap 2402 fits into an opening of the reservoir anda ratchet paw 2408 attaches to the reservoir. For example, a dowel pinand a torsion spring (not shown) can be used to attach the ratchet paw2408 to the reservoir. Once installed, the ratchet paw 2408 engages thesnap 2402 and the ratchet gear 2404 as shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 illustrates an exploded view of the utensil dispenser,illustrating the components of both sides of the reservoir as shown inFIGS. 22-25. In addition, screws 2602, such as cap head screws, cansecure a left portion 2612 and a right portion 2614 of the reservoirtogether using screw inserts 2604. A torsion spring 2610 and a dowel pin2608 can be used to connect the ratchet paw 2408 to the reservoir suchthat the ratchet paw 2408 engages the ratchet gear 2404 and the snap2402. The extension spring 2406 provides tension to return the ratchetgear 2404 into a resting position.

FIGS. 27A-37A and 27B-27B illustrate the operation of the utensildispenser from both a front perspective view and a corresponding rearperspective view. FIGS. 27A and 27B show the utensil dispenser loadedwith utensils 2702. There is no utensil, however, in the ready to bedispensed position. This can occur, for example, when the utensildispenser is first loaded with utensils. In one implementation, theutensil dispenser can be loaded using a cartridge, such as the cartridge302 shown in FIG. 3A, that contains utensils and can connect to theutensil dispenser. To load utensils, a restraint panel can be removed.Upon removal of the restraint panel, the utensils can fall into theutensil dispenser.

To prime the utensil dispenser for use, a manual activation button 2250can be used to move a first utensil 2704 into the dispensing position.As shown in FIGS. 28A and 28B, when the manual activation button 2250 isengaged, the manual activation lever 2252 retracts the drive hammer2256, which causes the rear pedestal 2212 to move such that the rearpedestal 2212 no longer supports the first utensil 2704. Without supportof the rear pedestal 2212, the first utensil 2704 drops in preparationfor being moved to the gravity feed ramp 2216. In addition, the movementof the drive hammer 2256 also causes the cam follower 2254 and theactuating cam 2248 to move. The movement of the actuating cam 2248causes the ratchet gear 2404 to move in a clockwise fashion, therebystretching the extension spring 2406. When the manual activation button2250 is released, the extension spring 2406 pulls the ratchet gear 2404back into its initial position. The ratchet gear 2404 causes theactuating cam 2248 and the drive hammer 2256 to also return to theiroriginal position, as shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B. As the drive hammer2256 moves to its supporting position, the rear pedestal pushes thefirst utensil off of the front pedestal 2214 to eject the first utensilfrom the utensil stack. Once the first utensil 2704 is pushed off of thefront pedestal 2214, the first utensil 2704 falls to the gravity feedramp 2216. The first utensil 2704 then slides down the gravity feed ramp2216 as shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B. Eventually, the first utensil 2704is stopped by the actuating cam lever 2246. Once stopped by and incontact with the actuating cam lever 2246, the utensil is in adispensing position. The first utensil 2704 is shown in its dispensingposition in FIGS. 31A and 31B. In the dispensing position, a portion ofthe first utensil 2704 extrudes from the utensil dispenser. FIGS. 32Aand 32B illustrate the utility dispenser when the first utensil ispulled and is partially dispensed. Pulling the first utensil 2704,causes the actuating cam lever 2246 to turn the actuating cam 2248 in acounter-clockwise motion, which in turn, cocks the drive hammer 2256.Cocking the drive hammer 2256, moves the rear pedestal 2212 from underthe utensil stack causing the next utensil to drop into place forejection. The ratchet gear 2404 prevents kick-back while the firstutensil 2704 is being pulled from the utensil dispenser. FIGS. 33A and33B illustrate the utensil dispenser after the first utensil 2704 iscompletely removed. Once the first utensil 2704 is removed, the drivehammer 2256 returns to its initial position due to the extension spring2406 and ejects the next utensil on the gravity feed ramp 2216. Inaddition, the actuating cam lever 2246 has returned to its initialposition such that it will stop the next utensil's progress down thegravity feed ramp 2216, at which point, the next utensil will be in itsdispensing position. This process can continue, allowing each of theutensils 2702 to be dispensed. Further, as described above, a cartridgecan be used to replenish the utility dispenser.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinventions or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures specific to particular implementations of particularinventions. Certain features described in this specification in thecontext of separate implementations can also be implemented incombination in a single implementation. Conversely, various featuresdescribed in the context of a single implementation can also beimplemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various systemcomponents in the implementations described above should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and itshould be understood that the described program components and systemscan generally be integrated in a single software product or packagedinto multiple software products.

Thus, particular implementations of the subject matter have beendescribed. Other implementations are within the scope of the followingclaims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can beperformed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. Inaddition, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do notnecessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, toachieve desirable results. In certain implementations, multitasking andparallel processing may be advantageous.

What is claimed is:
 1. A utensil dispenser comprising: a reservoirconfigured to store a plurality of utensils; a rear pedestal configuredto contact a rear portion of a next lowermost utensil to be dispensed ofthe plurality of utensils; a front pedestal configured to contact one ormore detents in a forward portion of the next lowermost utensil, whereinthe front pedestal and the rear pedestal are configured to contain theplurality of utensils within the reservoir; a gravity feed rampconfigured to move the next utensil to that is sloped toward an accessport of the utensil dispenser; and an actuator operably connected to adrive mechanism, the actuator configured to halt a dispensing utensil ata ready position based upon contact between the dispensing utensil andthe actuator such that, in the ready position, a handle portion of thedispensing utensil is accessible via the access port; wherein the drivemechanism is configured to contact the next lowermost utensil, andwherein the actuator is further configured to move the drive mechanisminto from a ready position to a release position such that where thedrive mechanism contacts the next lowermost utensil to push the nextlowermost utensil in a longitudinal direction to clear the frontpedestal to release the next utensil from the reservoir, allowing thatpushed utensil to drop onto the gravity feed ramp when the dispensingutensil is dispensed and to slide toward the access port, and whereinthe actuator is further configured to hold the utensil that dropped ontothe gravity feed ramp, allowing its handle portion to be accessiblethrough the access port.
 2. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, whereinthe drive mechanism comprises a drive pin.
 3. The utensil dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a drive hammer.
 4. Theutensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is furtherconfigured to move the next utensil to clear the rear pedestal torelease the next utensil from the reservoir onto the gravity feed rampwhen the dispensing utensil is dispensed.
 5. The utensil dispenser ofclaim 1, wherein the drive mechanism includes the rear pedestal.
 6. Theutensil dispenser of claim 5, wherein the actuator is further configuredto return to a home position to clear the next utensil from the rearpedestal.
 7. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, further comprising amanual activation button configured to move the drive mechanism into therelease position when the manual activation button is activated to primethe dispenser when there is no utensil accessible through the accessport.
 8. A utensil dispenser, comprising: a front pedestal disposedwithin the dispenser; a rear pedestal disposed within the dispenser; adrive mechanism disposed within the dispenser; an actuator operablyconnected to the drive mechanism, and a stack of utensils disposedwithin the dispenser, wherein each utensil comprises: a utensil bodyhaving a utensil body front portion and a utensil body rear portion; awinged portion operatively connected to the utensil body front portion,the winged portion disposed on at least one side of the utensil body andconfigured to at least partially rest on a the front pedestal of autensil dispenser when the utensil is stored in a reservoir of theutensil dispenser; and a tail portion operatively connected to theutensil body rear portion, the tail portion configured to: rest on aconfigured to at least partially rest on the rear pedestal of theutensil dispenser when the utensil is stored in the reservoir of theutensil dispenser, the utensil remaining within the reservoir when thewinged portion is resting on the front pedestal and the tail portionrests on the rear pedestal; and contact a drive mechanism of the utensildispenser, wherein the actuator is configured to move the drivemechanism configured to selectively push the utensil viato a releaseposition where the drive mechanism pushes the tail portion of alowermost utensil in the stack of utensils in a longitudinal direction,such that the winged portion of the lowermost utensil clears the frontpedestal and the tail portion clears the rear pedestal, permitting thelowermost utensil to fall from the reservoirstack.
 9. The utensildispenser of claim 8, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a drive pin.10. The utensil dispenser of claim 8, wherein the drive mechanismcomprises a drive hammer.
 11. The utensil dispenser of claim 8, furthercomprising a gravity feed ramp disposed beneath the front and rearpedestals, wherein the drive mechanism moves the lowermost utensil toclear the rear pedestal to release the utensil from the reservoir fallsonto a the gravity feed ramp when a dispensing utensil is dispensedreleased from the stack.
 12. The utensil dispenser of claim 8, whereinthe drive mechanism includes the rear pedestal is located on the drivemechanism.
 13. The utensil dispenser of claim 12, wherein the lowermostutensil is configured to clear the rear pedestal based upon an theactuator returning to a home position.
 14. A method comprising:supporting a plurality of utensils within a utensil dispenser, thedispenser having a front pedestal and a rear pedestal for supporting theplurality of utensils; removing a utensil from a the utensil dispenser;moving an actuation component based upon when the utensil is beingremoved, wherein the utensil is in contact with the actuation componentwhile being removed; engaging a drive mechanism based upon the moving ofwhen the actuation component is being moved; freeing a nextseparating alowermost utensil from a reservoir onto a gravity feed ramp baseduponthe plurality of utensils using the drive mechanism, wherein thedrive mechanism pushes the nextlowermost utensil to freeseparate thenextlowermost utensil from the plurality of utensils; and halting thenext separated utensil on the gravity feed ramp such that a tail portionof the separated utensil extrudes extends from the utensil dispenser.15. The method of claim 14, wherein the drive mechanism comprises adrive pin.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the drive mechanismcomprises a drive hammer.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the drivemechanism moves the utensil to clear the rear pedestal to release theutensil from the reservoir onto the gravity feed ramp when thedispensing utensil is dispensed.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein thedrive mechanism includes the rear pedestal.
 19. The method of claim 1814, wherein the actuation component is operably connected to the drivemechanism, the actuation component configured to move the drivemechanism that in turn pushes the lowermost utensil is configured toclear the rear front pedestal based upon an actuator returning to a homeposition.
 20. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein each utensilcomprises one or more laterally extending detents that are configured tocontact and at least partially rest on the front pedestal.
 21. Theutensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein the rear pedestal is located onthe drive mechanism.
 22. The utensil dispenser of claim 1, wherein theactuator is further configured to return to a home position whereby thenext utensil is able to clear and drop from the rear pedestal.
 23. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the rear pedestal is located on the drivemechanism.
 24. A utensil dispenser comprising: a housing for containinga stack of utensils; a front pedestal configured to contact a firstportion of a utensil to be dispensed, a drive mechanism configured tocontact and push the utensil to be dispensed, wherein the drivemechanism comprises a rear pedestal formed thereon, the rear pedestalconfigured to support a second portion of the utensil to be dispensed;an actuator operably connected to the drive mechanism; and an accessport providing an exit from the housing, wherein the actuator isconfigured to move the drive mechanism from a ready position to arelease position where the drive mechanism pushes a lowermost utensil ofthe stack in a longitudinal direction to clear the front pedestal,allowing the lowermost utensil to fall from the stack toward the accessport.
 25. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising agravity feed ramp that is sloped toward the access port, wherein thelowermost utensil falls from the stack onto the gravity feed ramp. 26.The utensil dispenser of claim 24, wherein the actuator is furtherconfigured to hold the fallen utensil at least partially within thedispenser such that a handle portion of the fallen utensil is accessiblethrough the access port.
 27. The utensil dispenser of claim 26, whereinthe actuator is configured to hold the pushed utensil that has fallenfrom the stack at least partially within the dispenser such that ahandle end of that utensil extends through the access port.
 28. Theutensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising a manual activationbutton configured to move the drive mechanism into the release positionwhen the manual activation button is activated to prime the dispenserwhen there is no utensil accessible through the access port.
 29. Theutensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising a reservoir disposedwithin a lower portion of the housing for holding a plurality ofutensils.
 30. The utensil dispenser of claim 24, further comprising areservoir disposed within a lower portion of the housing for holding atleast a portion of the stack of utensils.
 31. The utensil dispenser ofclaim 24, further comprising a moveable hinged member to provide accessto an interior of the housing, above the access port.
 32. The utensildispenser of claim 24, wherein the rear pedestal is defined by arecessed portion formed on an outer surface of the drive mechanism. 33.A utensil dispenser comprising: a housing for containing a stack ofutensils, each utensil comprising a functional end, a tail end, and atleast one detent extending outwardly from the utensil at a locationbetween the functional end and the tail end, a front pedestal disposedwithin the housing, the front pedestal configured to contact the atleast one detent of the utensil to be dispensed, a rear pedestaldisposed within the housing, the rear pedestal configured to contact thetail end of the utensil to be dispensed; a drive mechanism disposedwithin the housing, the drive mechanism configured to contact and pushthe tail end of the utensil to be dispensed; an access port providing anopening to the housing, and an actuator operably connected to the drivemechanism, wherein the actuator moves the drive mechanism from a readyposition to a release position where the drive mechanism contacts andpushes the tail end of the utensil to be dispensed, allowing the pushedutensil to move in a longitudinal direction to clear the front pedestaland then fall from the stack of utensils.
 34. The utensil dispenser ofclaim 33, wherein the drive mechanism comprises a drive pin or a drivehammer disposed on one end of the drive mechanism.
 35. The method ofclaim 33, wherein the rear pedestal is located on the drive mechanism.36. The method of claim 33, wherein the rear pedestal is located on thehousing.
 37. The utensil dispenser of claim 33, wherein the actuator isconfigured to hold the pushed utensil that has fallen from the stack atleast partially within the dispenser such that the tail end of thatutensil extends through the access port.
 38. The utensil dispenser ofclaim 33, wherein the stack of utensils is loaded into the housing byinserting a portion of the stack into the housing at an angle.
 39. Theutensil dispenser of claim 33, further comprising a manual activationbutton configured to move the drive mechanism into the release positionwhen the manual activation button is activated to prime the dispenserwhen there is no utensil accessible through the access port.
 40. Theutensil dispenser of claim 33, further comprising a reservoir disposedwithin a lower portion of the housing for holding a plurality ofutensils.
 41. The utensil dispenser of claim 40, wherein the reservoirholds at least a portion of the stack of utensils.
 42. The utensildispenser of claim 33, further comprising a moveable hinged memberdisposed on the housing to provide access to an interior of the housingabove the access port.